Is it better to file joint taxes when your married? Any suggestions?

Question

Also, if you've already filed as joint can you change to single the following year?

Answer 1

If you are married you MUST file either 'joint' or 'married filing seperate'. In the lower income brackets, it is nearly always better to file 'joint'. If your combined income is over about $80,000.00 per year, it might be better to file 'seperate'; depending on if and how you divide the deductions, if you itemize, any credits, and any dependents. Figure it both ways. You can change filing status every year. You can amend a prior years return from 'seperate' to 'joint' BUT not from 'joint' to 'seperate'.

Answer 2

It's almost always to your advantage to file a joint return if you are married. You make the choice each year between filing a joint return and filing as married filing separately - filing joint one year doesn't prevent you from filing separately in other years.

If you're married, you can't file a return as single.

Answer 3

you can change your status every year if needed, in fact you can change your status for a year already filed by submitting a corrected return. Generally it is best to compute both ways and select the more favorable outcome. In the old days, joint was always better because 1 income but 2 deductions. Nowadays spouses may have comparabe income. when filing separate, the returns require coordination, that is certain options must be taken exactly the same on both returns. Also your state tax laws may have a swing, some states allow your filing status to be declared different than the federal return. On a joint return, both spouses must agree and sign.

Answer 4

Usually it is better to file jointly. If you are married you cannot file as single. The only way to file single is to be single (i.e. Not married).